SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga University (3-3, 0-0 WCC) defeated Eastern Washington University (2-3, 0-0 Big Sky), 79-60, at the McCarthey Athletic Center, capitalizing on a 44-29 rebounding advantage. The home team also recorded 22 assists, demonstrating effective ball movement throughout the game.

The Bulldogs opened the first quarter with strong play in the paint, scoring 14 of their 20 points inside the key. Lauren Whittaker contributed with four free throws and a layup, helping GU maintain a narrow lead. Ines Bettencourt closed the quarter with two free throws, securing a 20-17 advantage for the Zags.

GU extended its lead in the second quarter with a strong offensive performance, outscoring their opponent 23-11. Allie Turner contributed significantly with a three-point play early in the quarter at 9:26, assisted by Bettencourt, followed by another 3-pointer at 2:40. Whittaker also added to the scoring with a 3-pointer at 8:05, again assisted by Bettencourt. Eastern Washington struggled to keep pace, with Bowers making a layup off a fast break at 1:46. However, the Zags' defense held firm, limiting Eastern Washington's field goal percentage throughout the quarter.

Eastern Washington made a strong push in the third quarter, but Whittaker responded with a layup for the Zags at 9:20, maintaining their lead. Whittaker added crucial points with a layup at 1:04 and a jumper at 0:23, ensuring they ended the quarter ahead, 58-50.

In the fourth quarter, GU extended their lead with a strong offensive performance, outscoring Eastern Washington 21-10. Zeryhia Aokuso contributed significantly with a jumper and two free throws midway through the quarter, pushing the home team's score to 66. Teryn Gardner added to the momentum with three consecutive 3-pointers, increasing the Zags' lead to 75-55 at the 3:03 mark. Bowers attempted to rally her team with a late 3-pointer and a jumper, closing the gap slightly, but Turner's layup with 1:13 remaining sealed the victory for the Bulldogs. The home team capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, maintaining control throughout the quarter.

Gonzaga Top Performers  
Lauren Whittaker  
----------------------  
- 21 points  
- 9 field goals made  
- 6 rebounds  

Allie Turner  
----------------------  
- 15 points  
- 5 assists  
- 2 3-pointers  

Zeryhia Aokuso  
----------------------  
- 12 points  
- 5 field goals made  
- 3 assists  

Ines Bettencourt  
----------------------  
- 5 points  
- 6 assists  
- 5 rebounds  

In their next game, GU will face Indiana on Friday, Nov. 28, at 10:30 a.m. PT in Estero, Florida.